Guarnier fifth atop the mighty Monte Zoncolan

14 July 2018

Megan Guarnier finished the Queen’s stage of the 2018 Giro Rosa in fifth postion, also climbing to fifth in the GC. Pink jersey wearer Annemiek van Vleuten (Mitchelton-Scott) increased her lead by winning the stage well ahead of Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio (Cervélo-Bigla) in second place and teammate Amanda Spratt in third.

“The team did really well keeping me protected into the climb,” Guarnier said. “They did an amazing lead-out into the base of the Zoncolan so I could hit it in good position.”

Guarnier was the first to hit the impressive climb that also featured in the 2018 men’s Giro d’Italia. Van Vleuten however quickly gained the lead together with Moolman-Pasio. Van Vleuten eventually won solo and now leads the GC with more than 3.5 minutes ahead of Moolman-Pasio.

“On the climb, I could only do my best,” Guarnier concluded. “I gave it everything and that’s all I can ask.”

The Giro Rosa finishes tomorrow with a 120-kilometre stage with start and finish in Cividale del Friuli.